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Impact

Lantana is one of Australia’s most debilitating invasive weeds. It is recognised as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) because of its impacts on primary industries, conservation and biodiversity, and the extent of its distribution.

Toxicity

All forms of lantana are thought to be toxic, with the red-flowered forms being the most dangerous to stock.

Lantana poisoning in cattle is quite common and causes major economic losses. Most cases of poisoning occur in animals newly introduced into areas where toxic forms of lantana are already growing. Older cattle that are used to grazing lantana-infested areas are not as susceptible. During droughts or when other feed is scarce, stock are also more likely to graze lantana.

Early symptoms of lantana poisoning include depression, loss of appetite, constipation and frequent urination, followed by 24–48 hours of jaundice. The eyes of poisoned animals can also become inflamed with a slight discharge. The muzzle may become inflamed, moist, and very sensitive, with a pink nose. Photosensitisation usually follows with death typically occurring 1–4 weeks after the appearance of symptoms.

This slow and painful death is due mainly to liver insufficiency, kidney failure and, in some animals, myocardial damage and internal paralysis.

Lantana is also highly toxic to humans, and can cause serious illness and death. All parts of the plant, particularly the green berries, are poisonous if ingested, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, muscular weakness and respiratory distress. The plant is also a skin and eye irritant.

What to do if poisoning occurs:

If the patient is unconscious, unresponsive or having difficulty breathing dial 000 or get to the emergency section of a hospital immediately.

If the patient is conscious and responsive call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or your doctor.

If going to a hospital take a piece of the plant for identification.

Pasture Productivity

Lantana greatly reduces pasture productivity. It will readily invade pastures, particularly when they are poorly managed. If left uncontrolled, it will spread and exclude useful native grasses and improved pastures. Lantana along roadsides, riparian zones and fence-lines also increases the loss of available pasture.

Forestry management

Lantana is a serious weed of commercial eucalypt and pine plantations. It competes with tree seedlings for light and nutrients and also interferes with plantation access and general management. If uncontrolled, it can establish and become a prolific understorey invader that reduces forestry production.

Environment

Lantana is a serious invader of disturbed ecosystems including national parks and reserves. The weed can form a dense understorey competing with native flora and limiting natural regeneration. Increases in lantana composition can also increase the fuel load for fires.

Recreation and transport

Lantana can restrict access in bushland and riverbanks and also reduce the overall visual amenity of an area. Lantana also invades roadsides, railway land and power line easements.

Economically

The total cost of controlling lantana in agricultural and non agricultural areas has been conservatively estimated at more than $22 million per annum.

Distribution

Lantana and creeping lantana are natives of the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Central and South America. Lantana was first introduced into Australia as an ornamental plant. Its first recording in Australia was in 1841 and by the 1860s, it was naturalised in the Sydney and Brisbane areas. This once-innocent garden plant has since escaped and thrived under the favourable tropical, sub-tropical and temperate conditions of eastern Australia.

Lantana currently infests more than four million hectares of land across Australia, mainly in areas east of the Great Dividing Range in NSW and Queensland. Its current range extends from the Bega Shire in southern NSW to Cape Melville in north Queensland.

Lantana is also a weed in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. It may have the potential to invade Victoria. It is also present in all States and Territories as an ornamental plant.

In NSW, lantana is widespread across coastal NSW and is also present on Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands. It is generally considered that lantana has now reached its potential range in NSW, but it continues to invade new habitats within its range and increase its density.

Creeping lantana is a widespread weed in Queensland. In NSW it is commonly planted as an ornamental. However, there are a few places in NSW where creeping lantana is considered weedy.

Distribution map

Spread

Fruit eating birds are the main cause of lantana spread. Birds and some mammals eat the fruit and the seed in their droppings is viable. Studies have shown that germination of lantana seed is more likely if the seed has travelled through the gut of a bird or mammal.

Lantana can also spread vegetatively. Lantana has a shallow root system forming a dense root mat that grows mainly within the top 10–30 cm of soil. The plant does not sucker from damaged or broken roots but will regrow vigorously from the base of stems. Horizontal stems are able to take root when they contact moist soil. Lantana will also shoot from the base of vertical stems.

Some studies have shown that 50 per cent of seed will remain viable in dry conditions for up to two years; unpublished studies have shown seed to last five years. The length of time is likely to depend on variety, soil type and soil moisture levels.

Seeds need warm temperatures and sufficient moisture to germinate. Germination is reduced by low light conditions. Activities that increase light and soil temperature will stimulate germination of lantana seed. These include clearing and burning of vegetation or even animal activity such as pig rooting and rabbit burrowing.

Life cycle

Germination can be year round but peaks after summer rains. Plants mature in one year, but they must complete one whole season before seeding. Vegetative spread can produce dense thickets.

In warm and humid areas lantana can flower and fruit almost year round, as long as soil moisture is available. A single plant can produce up to 12 000 fruit each year. Each fruit contains a single seed.

Lantana can survive in some drier areas where occasional soaking rains (25 mm) will trigger a flush of flowering followed by fruiting after four to six weeks.

Growth is limited by low light and temperatures, waterlogging and salinity.

Lantana can survive drought conditions by dropping its leaves. Dry lantana can appear to be dead but will reshoot from the base of the stem after rain. Frost affected lantana can also reshoot after spring rains. Dry or frost conditions provide ideal opportunities for control.

Description

Lantana is a heavily-branched, scrambling, thicket-forming shrub, usually ranging from 2–4 m in height. Creeping lantana is a scrambling, low, woody shrub which often grows over rocks and along tree branches.

Lantana is a perennial, summer-growing, erect or scrambling shrub, growing up to four metres high and often forming dense thickets. Flesh of the plant produces a strong, aromatic odour when crushed. The plant is a member of the Verbenaceae (verbena) family. Lantana is characterised by square-shaped stems with short, curved and hooked prickles.

Leaves

Leaves are opposite and curved on a short stalk and are about 10 mm long. They are egg-shaped (ovate) to spearhead-shaped (lanceolate), with toothed edges; rough and bright green on the upper surface and hairy and pale green below; 2–10 cm long and 2–8 cm wide.

Flowers

Flowers form in dense clusters and vary in colour from red–yellow, orange–pink, and white; depending on the type, maturity and location. Flowering and fruit production can occur almost year round in suitable areas where there is adequate soil moisture, high air humidity and high temperatures.

Fruit

The fruit is a succulent, one-seeded drupe or berry about 6–8 mm in diameter. These develop in clusters and consist of aggregate, fleshy segments that are green at first and then turn a shiny, dark purple–black when ripe.

Varieties

Lantana is a highly variable species with at least 29 varieties reportedly present as wild and cultivated species in Australia. There are five main types identified by flower colour: pink, red, orange, white and pink-edged red. The most common lantana varieties in New South Wales (NSW) are common pink, common pink-edged red, round red and Stafford red. These are all classified as different varieties because of their colour and flower shape.The common pink-edged red lantana variety is found on the North Coast, around Kempsey, south-east of Dorrigo, Bellingen, in the Coffs Harbour and Grafton areas, and on the Central Coast. Tests have shown leaves and stems to be very toxic if eaten. The round red and Stafford red (red varieties) are found on the North Coast, around Kempsey, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour. Tests have shown both of these varieties to be toxic. The red varieties sometimes have a different growth habit to the pink varieties, being a more compact bush with pricklier stems and darker green leaves.

Creeping lantana

Creeping lantana (L. montevidensis) is a scrambling low woody shrub which has short, profusely flowering branches that form mats. The flowers are purple or lilac with white or yellow centres. The fruit is similar to lantana.

Creeping lantana has stems that are square in cross section similar to lantana but without prickles. The leaves are also similar to lantana but only 2–3 cm long.

Habitat

Lantana grows in a variety of coastal and sub-coastal areas. Lantana thrives under warm, high rainfall climates. It is most prolific in areas receiving average annual rainfall of at least 900 mm. It generally favours coastal areas inland to the Great Dividing Range and grows up to altitudes of 1000 m. Lantana is frost sensitive and no growth occurs when temperatures are below 5°C.

Lantana prefers moist soil but can survive prolonged dry periods. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soils including rich organic soils, well-drained clay soils and volcanic soils. Lantana will tolerate poor soils and sand and will grow on stony hillsides as long as moisture is available. However, it does not tolerate heavy clay soils, waterlogging or salinity. Lantana will tolerate partial, but not complete shading.

Lantana is a major weed along roadsides, riparian zones (river banks), fence-lines, forestry, pastures and waste areas. It also invades open native woodlands and sub-tropical rainforest fringes and can grow in steep inaccessible areas, making it difficult to control.

Lantana readily invades disturbed or neglected areas and where native woodlands have been thinned or cleared for grazing. Lantana is less common in undisturbed native vegetation communities.

Other publications

Control

Integrated management

Integrated weed management uses a range of control methods in order to achieve more effective control. Lantana can be controlled by using a combination of manual control, mechanical control, herbicides, fire, pasture improvement, and grazing management techniques. Variables such as seasonal conditions and lantana varieties must be considered when planning control strategies. For example, lantana must be actively growing for foliar herbicide applications, and fire and biological control agents may be effective only at certain times of the year.

Lantana is an extremely hardy and persistent weed. Follow up control is always required to prevent re-infestation by regrowth or new seedlings. Prioritise control work in situations where there will be enough resources to allow ongoing control in the following months or years. Removing lantana can be a waste of time unless follow up management is carried out. For integrated control strategies in various situations see the lantana control manual.

Manual control methods are effective for small infestations or scattered clumps over large areas, especially where machinery and vehicles cannot access. Manual control minimises soil disturbance and damage to desirable vegetation.

Mechanical control

Control with mechanical methods can be suitable for extensive mature lantana infestations. See the lantana control manual for details on managing large infestations.

Mechanical control by bulldozing or slashing plants can be successful for removing large mature bushes quickly. Mechanical control needs to be followed up by herbicide control of seedlings and replacing the lantana with pasture or other vegetation cover. Follow-up spot spraying or further mechanical control is therefore essential until the preferred desirable species becomes dominant.

Care should also be taken when mechanically clearing areas on steep land or near stream banks to prevent soil erosion. Avoid clearing or disturbing large areas at any one time to avoid leaving bare ground.

Pasture management

Grazing lantana itself is not recommended as goats, sheep, cattle and horses are susceptible to lantana poisoning (see ‘Toxicity’).

Proper grazing management of pastures is a preventative technique for many pasture weeds including lantana. Overstocking and overgrazing will lead to pasture degradation and allow the invasion of weedy species. Allowing a bulk of pasture to remain in the paddock all year round under normal weather conditions will help to prevent the establishment of weeds such as lantana.

Fire

Fire can be used to reduce the height and density of lantana thickets. However, fire rarely kills lantana plants. Plants recover quickly, reshooting from the bases of stems, so follow-up spot spraying with herbicide is necessary. Risks associated with using fire include destruction of desirable vegetation and pastures. Fire can also leave the soil exposed which can lead to erosion.

Biological control

Successful biological control of lantana has proven difficult. This is mainly due to the number of lantana varieties and the wide range of habitats that it invades.

Lantana was one of the first weeds in Australia to be targeted for biological control. Since it was recognised as a potential weed for biological control in 1914, 31 biological control agents have been introduced into Australia to help control lantana (30 insects and one type of rust). Of these, 17 have become established and four of these are effectively reducing the vigour and competitiveness of lantana in certain areas.

Biological control alone cannot eradicate lantana, but may help to contain infestations and reduce their spread in the long term.

A collaborative project between NSW and Queensland Government agencies started in 1996 to revive the biological control program. This program is partially funded by the NSW Lantana Biological Control Taskforce. Several new biological control agents have been funded and released as a result of this program.

Rust

The lantana rust (Prospodium tuberculatum) is a fungal pathogen that was introduced from Brazil in 2001. This rust attacks the widespread pink-flowering variety of lantana and appears to have a wide tolerance of climatic conditions. While it is too early to determine how this agent will perform, there have been a number of pathogens released in other biological weed control programs that have been very successful.

Insects

The two insects causing the most damage are the leaf-mining beetles Uroplata girardi andOctotoma scabripennis. Larvae of both these insects mine leaves of all lantana types, thereby suppressing plant growth and causing a reduction in flowering.

Another insect that can damage the plant is the leafsucking bug, Teleonemia scrupulosa. The fourth insect that affects their growth is the lantana seed fly, Ophiomyia lantanae. Adults of this insect feed on the flowers while the larvae feed on the developing fruits and seeds.

Landholders do not need to collect insects and relocate them to their property. The most effective and proven biological controls have already spread throughout the areas they are suited to. Look for beetles or bugs on the tops or leaves, bugs or larvae underneath the leaves or insects in the flowers or on the fruit or stems. These insects act seasonally so they may cause damage at some times of the year and no damage at other times.

All other control methods except foliar spraying can be carried out when biological control agents are present.

Chemical

Control with herbicides can be a practical, effective and efficient method of lantana management. They are cost effective for smaller infestations and for treating regrowth.The effectiveness of herbicides depends on the lantana type. Pink flowered lantana is usually successfully controlled with herbicide, while success with the red flowered varieties is varied.

A number of herbicides are registered for the control of lantana. When selecting an appropriate herbicide, consideration should also be given to the application technique.

The aim should be to minimise off-target damage to native species and pasture grasses. Plants can be sprayed at any time during the year, provided that they are actively growing and not under stress (e.g. spraying water stressed, cold affected, very wet or sick plants will be less effective). Best results have been achieved spraying in the early morning or late afternoon during the autumn months.

Depending on the size of the infestation and access to individual plants, foliar spraying, cut stump, and basal bark application techniques can all be effective.

Foliar spraying

Foliar spraying is only effective if the lantana is actively growing and the plants are less than two metres high. Mature lantana is best treated with foliar spraying between February and the first frost.

Active regrowth from dry or frost affected lantana is ideal for treatment with foliar spraying as access to the regrowth foliage is easier and the reduced plant surface area requires less herbicide. Regrowth from burning, cutting, slashing or frost is best treated when it reaches a height of 30 cm to 1 m.

Basal bark application

Basal barking is the application of an oil soluble herbicide which is first mixed with diesel and then sprayed at low pressure or painted with a brush around the circumference of all the stems from the ground to a height of 30 cm. Basal barking can be effective on plants that have been defoliated by biological control agents and is effective at any time of year.

Cut stump

The cut stump method is where the stems are cut off completely at about 15 cm and herbicide is applied to the stump within 15 seconds. Lantana plants regrow vigorously from untreated cut stems so it is important to treat every cut stem.

Herbicide options

WARNING - ALWAYS READ THE LABEL
Users of agricultural or veterinary chemical products must always read the label and any permit, before using the product, and strictly comply with the directions on the label and the conditions of any permit. Users are not absolved from compliance with the directions on the label or the conditions of the permit by reason of any statement made or not made in this information. To view permits or product labels go to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website www.apvma.gov.au

Metsulfuron-methyl 600 g/kg
(Brush-off®)
Rate: 10 g per 100 L of water
Comments: Apply to bushes up to two metres tall. Spray to wet all foliage and stems. Re-treatment will be necessary.Withholding period: Nil (recommended not to graze for 7 days before treatment and for 7 days after treatment to allow adequate chemical uptake in target weeds).Herbicide group: B, Inhibitors of acetolactate synthase (ALS inhibitors) Resistance risk: High

Picloram 100 g/L + Triclopyr 300 g/L + Aminopyralid 8 g/L
(Grazon Extra®)
Rate: 350 - 500 mL in 100 L of water
Comments: Wet thoroughly, use higher rate on large bushes, 1–2 m tall. Low rates for bushes up to 1 m tall. Apply from summer to autumn.Withholding period: Where product is used to control woody weeds in pastures there is a restriction of 12 weeks for use of treated pastures for making hay and silage; using hay or other plant material for compost, mulch or mushroom substrate; or using animal waste from animals grazing on treated pastures for compost, mulching, or spreading on pasture/crops.Herbicide group: I, Disruptors of plant cell growth (synthetic auxins) Resistance risk: Moderate

Legal requirements

The content provided here is for information purposes only and is taken from the Noxious Weeds (Weed Control) Order 2014 published in the NSW Government Gazette, detailing weeds declared noxious in New South Wales, Australia, under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. The Order lists the weed names, the control class and the control requirements for each species declared in a Local Control Authority area.

All species in the Lantana genus are declared.

Area

Class

Legal requirements

Ashfield

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Auburn

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Bankstown

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Bega Valley

3

Regionally Controlled WeedThe plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed

Bellingen

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Blue Mountains

3

Regionally Controlled WeedThe plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed

Botany

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Burwood

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Camden

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Campbelltown

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Canada Bay

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Canterbury

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Cessnock

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Clarence Valley

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Coffs Harbour

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Eurobodalla

3

Regionally Controlled WeedThe plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed

Fairfield

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Far North Coast County Council

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Gloucester

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Great Lakes

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Greater Taree

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Hawkesbury River County Council

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Holroyd

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Hornsby

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Hunters Hill

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Hurstville

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Illawarra District Weeds Authority

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Kempsey

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Kogarah

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Ku-ring-gai

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Lane Cove

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Leichhardt

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Liverpool

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Lord Howe Island

2

Regionally Prohibited WeedThe plant must be eradicated from the land and that land must be kept free of the plant

Manly

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Marrickville

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Mosman

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Nambucca

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

North Sydney

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Parramatta

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Pittwater

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Port Macquarie-Hastings

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Randwick

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Rockdale

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Ryde

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Shoalhaven

3

Regionally Controlled WeedThe plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed

Shoalhaven

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Strathfield

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Sutherland

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Sydney

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Warringah

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Waverley

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Willoughby

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread

Woollahra

4

Locally Controlled WeedThe growth of the plant must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits the ability of the plant to spread